Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Manufacture

MANUFACTURE, signifies a commodity, or piece of workmanship, produced from raw materials, whether by hand, or by the aid of machinery.

The extensive utility of manufactures to a commercial nation, is generally acknowledged; and it is a circumstance worthy of remark, that the greatest improvements have, in general, proceeded from persons of no liberal education.

Manufactures, it is true, furnish employ for numerous families, but at the same time they greatly contribute to that depravity of manners for which the labouring classes are, at present, but too conspicuous. Indeed, it is a melancholy fact, that so long as agriculture is but partially attended to, and in a manner neglected, for the more speedy acquisition of wealth, the progress of luxury necessarily tends to change the most virtuous habits, and to vitiate the morals of a mercantile nation.

By the 23 Geo. II. c. 13, it is enacted, that if any person export the tools or utensils used either in the silk, linen, or woollen manufactures, he incurs a forfeiture, and the sum of 200l.; and, if the captain of the ship be acquainted with such illegal proceeding, he is liable to pay a fine of 100l.—The forfeiture of the articles, and of 200l. is farther imposed on all persons collecting them for the purpose of exportation; and, if any captain of a King's ship, or officer of the customs, knowingly suffer such exportation, both (by the 21 Geo. III. c. 37), incur a penalty of 200l. lose their employment, and are for ever incapacitated from holding any office under government. This act likewise subjects all persons having tools in their possession, or procuring them to be made, with a view to exportation, to the forfeiture of the same, as well as of the sum of 200l. and to imprisonment for the term of 12 months. Lastly, the 22 Geo. III. c. 60, declares, that every person exporting such tools, shall forfeit them, together with the sum of 500l.